AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 analysis: How Singapore and Malaysia can make it to the semi-final

Singapore and Indonesia's chances will depend on the result of the game between Philippines and Thailand.

Singapore need goals to stay in contention for the semi-final spotReuters

With the group stages of the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup coming to a close on 26 November, each team, from both Group A and Group B, is left with a match each. Leaders of the two groups, Thailand and Vietnam, have secured berths in the last-four stages and Group B strugglers Cambodia have no chances of making it after losing both their games in the tournament.

IBTimes Singapore looks at both the group tables to find out how a team can qualify for the semi-final of the tournament. The following are remaining fixtures in the group stages.

Group A

Singapore v Indonesia, 25 November

Philippines v Thailand, 25 November

Group B

Vietnam v Cambodia, 26 November

Myanmar v Malaysia, 26 November

Group A scenarios

Here is how the points table of Group A looks like after Philippines played out a 2-2 draw with Indonesia on Tuesday.

Teams

Mat

Won

Drawn

Lost

GF

GA

GD

Pts

Thailand

2

2

0

0

5

2

3

6

Philippines

2

0

2

0

2

2

0

2

Singapore

2

0

1

1

0

1

-1

1

Indonesia

2

0

1

1

4

6

-2

1

1. Thailand

Yet to play: Philippines

Thailand have qualified for the semi-final of the tournament after winning two matches so far.

2. Philippines

Yet to play: Thailand

After having drawn their two previous games in the tournament so far, Philippines will definitely seal the second semi-final spot from the group if they manage to beat the War Elephants on Friday.

If the Azkals hold Thailand to a draw and if Singapore and Indonesia play out a draw in their game, then they will still manage to go past the group stages after finishing with three points from as many games.

If they lose against Thailand, the chances of them making to the semi-final will be grim if either Singapore or Indonesia win on Friday. On the other hand, if the Lions and the Garudas draw and Philippines lose, then the equation will boil down to goal difference.

3. Singapore

Yet to play: Indonesia

Singapore need a win or at least a draw to keep their chances alive in the tournament. For the Lions to qualify, a lot will depend on the second fixture on Friday - Philippines v Thailand.

If the Lions win and the Azkals lose, the former will clinch their berth. If Singapore win and Philippines draw their game, still the former will make it.

If Singapore draw and Philippines lose, both teams will be on two points each. In this scenario, for Singapore to qualify, the Azkals have to lose by a margin of at least two goals against the Thais.

Singapore cannot afford to lose against Indonesia as a defeat on Friday will see them exit the tournament. Singapore, who have not opened their scoring yet, have to get goals and a lot of them to make their passage easier.

4. Indonesia

Yet to play: Singapore

Indonesia are in similar situation to that of Singapore except that they have scored more goals than the latter. A win on Friday will brighten their chances of sealing a semi-final berth, if Philippines lose to Thailand.

A draw will bring into play the goal difference, provided Philippines lose.

Group B scenarios

Here is how the Group B table looks like after Myanmar crushed Cambodia 3-1 on Wednesday.

Group B

Teams

Mat

Won

Drawn

Lost

GF

GA

GD

Pts

Vietnam

2

2

0

0

3

1

2

6

Myanmar

2

1

0

1

4

3

1

3

Malaysia

2

1

0

1

3

3

0

3

Cambodia

2

0

0

2

3

6

-3

0

Vietnam

Yet to play: Cambodia

After winning their two fixtures, Vietnam have sealed their spot in the semi-final. They have the chances of progressing with a perfect record as they will be facing strugglers Cambodia in their last group match.

Myanmar

Yet to play: Malaysia

Myanmar have won a game against Cambodia and have lost one against Vietnam.

Saturday's game against Malaysia now becomes a virtual quarter-final. A win against the Tigers will see them joining Vietnam in the semi-final.

They can also sneak through with a draw as they have a positive goal difference now while Malaysia have struck three and conceded as many so far in the tournament.

Malaysia

Yet to play: Myanmar

Malaysia won their against Cambodia but suffered a narrow defeat against Vietnam.

On Saturday, the 2010 winners will need nothing less than a win against Myanmar to make it past the group stages.